EVERY CHILD NEEDS A CHAMPION
In 2006, Neelam Rani began working as a primary school teacher for Bharti Foundation. Neelam teaches Grade 1 students at Satya Bharti School in Meemsa, Sangrur, Punjab. She is a dedicated teacher who strives to meet the expectations of both her students and their parents.
Samandeep Kaur is one of Neelam Rani’s students. Samandeep Kaur was born with an upper limb impairment and struggled to do any task that required her hands. During the lockdown, Samandeep enrolled in Satya Bharti School’s pre-primary class and began attending virtual classes from home. Her teachers would often visit her at home to mentor her. Samandeep was promoted to Grade 1. When the schools reopened following the lockdown, Samandeep was hesitant to physically attend lessons for fear of being judged by her classmates. Neelam Rani, her teacher, took up the task and encouraged Samandeep to come to school and assured a strong relationship with her peers. Samandeep gradually began to attend school on a regular basis because of the consistent efforts of Neelam Rani. She was eager to learn new things but couldn’t write. It was difficult for her at first to hold the pencil with her foot, but with encouragement from her teacher and daily practice, Samandeep has now begun writing and is working hard to write perfectly. Samandeep has developed an interest in extracurricular activities and has now learnt to do all tasks on her own.
Samandeep is now a consistent participant in school events. On Sports Day at school, she competed in the Lemon Race and came in first place. Her parents were overjoyed to see her daughter flourish in academics as well as extracurricular activities and expressed gratitude to Bharti Foundation and her instructor Neelam Rani for their efforts and support in instilling confidence and independence in their daughter.